Chile is a country situated along the western coast of South America; but more than that Chile is a place of astonishing beauty and wonderful culture. Chile is an extremely diverse country; in terms of people, wildlife, geography, and culture. Chile is also one of South America's most thriving and stable countries, making it very safe and easy to travel to this wonderful place. Chile is a amazing location that is definitely worth visiting by anyone whose interests range from more tourist-oriented attractions to historical interests to exploring the native culture. Geography
Chile is a small country shaped like a sliver situated right in the center of the South American west coast. Its climate is extremely varied, in the northwest lies the Atacama desert, which holds the title of the driest desert on the earth, receiving absolutely no rainfall. This desert is a very fascinating area; its climate encouraging the growth of very exotic plants and the occasionally animal.
In addition, the Atacama desert, due to the lack of moisture in the air, provides the clearest view of the night sky in the world. On the eastern border of Chile lies the Andes Mountains, the longest continental range of mountains in the world. In central Chile, the climate is more Mediterranean. This central area is the most populous region of Chile, in which around 50% of the country's population lives. In the southern regions, the scenery becomes more rainy and temperate, providing some of the most stunning scenery on earth. The southern geography includes large forests, lakes, magnificent volcanoes, fjords, and islands. Some of these islands contain some of the world's more exotic animals, such as the penguin, an animal that is difficult to find anywhere else on earth besides the continent of Antarctica.
History
Chile's rich culture finds its roots due in part to its rich and fascinating history. Originally, Chile was occupied by two major cultures, the Incas, which dominated in the north, and the Mapuche, which controlled a majority of Chile, their territory ranging from central to southern Chile. In 1535, Diego de Almagro came to Chile in the search of gold along with a band of Spanish Conquistadors. This group of conquistadors found their search for riches to be far less rewarding than expected; however, they realized the value of the central section of the country for agricultural purposes and claimed the land as a Spanish colony. However, this assertion of power did not come without conflict. The local Mapuche consistently lead uprisings against the Spanish, and managed to kill Almagro's most valuable leader, Pedro de Valvidia. However, gradually the Mapuche revolts slowed after repeated failures against the superior Spanish weaponry. However, it was not until 1683 when the Spanish banned the enslavement of the Mapuche that the two groups did not consider themselves to technically not be at war. In 1808, Napoleon's brother Joseph illegally seized the Spanish throne, an action that encouraged a revolution within Chile. On September 18, 1810, a militia formed under the name of Ferdinand (heir to the Mapuche thrown) and declared Chile an autonomous republic. Spain met this claim by means of force, the Spanish forces lead by Bernardo O'Higgins. However, under the ingenious leadership of Jose Miguel Carrera and his two brothers, Chile emerged victorious. Today, many cultures that were influential in Chile's history can be seen in the current culture of Chile. Many ancient Incan and Mapuche artifacts, buildings, and customs still remain. This native Chilean culture in combination with the Spanish culture form a very interesting and diverse culture which can be appreciated on many levels.
The Atacama Desert
Population
Now, Chile has beome a prosperous and well-developed country; it maintains a strong governmental system relatively free of corruption, a high income per capita, and a rich culture. Back in 1500, the population in Chile was around 1.1 million. Now, it has expanded drastically and is still expanding to this day. From a 2002 Census, the population of Chile was estimated to be 15.2 million. Now, from a 2008 report, the population is estimated to be 17 million.
Economy
This population is also a stable one not stricken by poverty; the average income per capita is $14,329, one of the highest of all South American countries. Another important thing to know about Chile is its currency.
The basic currency in Chile is the peso. Currently, the peso is worth approximately 1/5 of a cent, with 469 pesos to the dollar. The economy of Chile is a prosperous one, with a high gross domestic product of the equivalent of $276 billion US dollars.
Chile's economy is based heavily upon its copper industry. Chile itself produces over 1/3 of the entire world's copper supply. This copper industry accounts for 49% of all Chilean exports. Exports that trail far behind it include Cellulose, paper, and fish.
Government Chile is a country with one of the most stable, uncorrupted governments in South America. The governmental system is quite similar to that of the United States, being in the form of a republic with an elected leader. The country's laws are dictated by a Constitution set in place in 1980, and most recently updated majorly in 2005. This constitution has been recognized by many internationally as being a very fair and humanitarian Constitution. Also similar to the United States, there is a legislative governmental body in addition to the executive governmental body. The main legislative body is The Congress of Chile, which consists of a 38-seat Senate and a 120-member Chamber of Deputies. However, a main difference between the governmental structure of Chile and the United States is that in Chile the judicial system is independent, and the judges in the Supreme Court of Chile are not selected by the president, but rather the people. Currently, the Chilean President is Sebastian Pinera.
Language
The main body of this population is Spanish speaking, with Spanish being the official language of the country. However, some languages from the original inhabitants of Chile still remain. The language of Mapudungun, an indigenous language spoken between the Itata and Tolten Rivers. Another language that is spoken in Chile is Aymara, spoken mainly by the inhabitants of the Andes Mountains.
Religion
Although the population is culturally diverse, the country is relatively homogeneous in terms of religion. 98% of the country is Christian, with 90% of this Christianity being Roman Catholic, the other 10% being Protestants. The Roman Catholic church is also very influential on the politics of the country. For example, due to the influence of the Church, their is a federal law that forbids abortion within the country.
Ethnicity
The population also represents a diverse array of races. The population consists mainly of White-American Indians, who represent 85% of the population. Another 10% of the population is White. 3% of the population is pure American Indian.
Sopa De Lentejas Recipe
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 ounces chorizo sausages, peeled and sliced into 8 pieces
1 cup coarsely chopped onion
1 cuppumpkin, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced into 1-inch rings
5 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 largetomato, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped
1 1/2cupslentils, pickled over and rinsed
1 smallcelery rib, with leaves
3 sprigs parsley
2 bay leaves
2 1/2-3 quartswater
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 smallpotatoes minced and cut into 4-inch dice
2 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley
Directions:
Prep Time:20 mins Total Time:55 mins
1 Heat the oil in a heavy soup pot. Add the chorizo, onion, and pumpkin; cook over high heat, stirring, for a few minutes. Add the leeks, garlic, and tomato, and cook for 3 minutes more.
2 Tie the celery, parsley & bay leaves together w/kitchen string and add along with the lentils to the soup pot. Add enough water to cover the lentils by 2 inches, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer covered for about 20 minutes.
3 Season with salt and black pepper, add the potato cubes, and simmer until the vegetables are soft, 15 minutes. If necessary, add more water.
4 Before serving, discard the herb bundle, and taste for seasoning. Serve the soup piping hot, garnished with the parsley.
There is much beauty all throughout the region of Chile that is the perfect destination for tourists seeking either dramatic landscapes, wonderful historical locations, and gorgeous towns. In the North, one might be interested in traveling to San Pedro de Atacama, a beautiful town overlooking the Atacama desert full of ancient Incan Architecture and containing a world-renowned anthropological museum. In addition, near San Pedro de Atacama are the exquisite Altiplano Lakes and the Valley of the Moon. Also in the north are some other beautiful destinations such as Chungara Lake and the Parinacota and Pomerape Volcanoes. If one happens to be on the eastern border of Chile, there are many world-renowned ski resorts in the Andes, such as Portillo and Valle Nevado. In the South are many other popular destinations, such as Isla Mocha, Nahuelbuta National Park, Chiloe Archipelago, and the Laguna San Rafael National Park, one of the only places in South America that one can find glaciers. The port-city of Valparaiso, with its distinctive architecture, is also a main destination. Finally, Easter Island
off of the coast of Chile is a great destination to travel to on your trip to Chile.
Photo: Sunset over mountains and lake
Sample Itinerary A Day In Northern Chile
About this itinerary: This is a sample itinerary to give a flavor of what one might do as a tourist in a day in Chile. This itinerary does not need to be followed, and the price of actually following this itinerary is unknown. To get to this point in this sample itinerary, one would have flown to Calama and driven across the Dameyko Mountain Range until they reached San Pedro de Atacama in the Atacama desert. This is a desolate area of stark landscapes dominated by the vast Atacama salt lake and the distant line of volcanoes that mark the Bolivian border. Then one would have stayed at the Hotel Altiplanico, a beautiful adobe style hotel in the town.
8:00 - Wake Up at Hotel Altiplanico. 8:30- 9:30 Have local breakfast downstairs in hotel9:30-9:45 Head to Local Salt Flats9:45-10:45: Hike through Salt Flats along Alabarco trail (be sure to stay hydrated)10:45-11:15: Eat at stone benches at end of trail 11:15-12:15: Head Back to Road12:15-12:30: Go back to San Pedro De Atacama12:30-1:30: Eat at Bolivar Restaurant1:30-2:00: Drive South down to Valley of the Moon trailhead2:00-3:30: Hike into Valley of the Moon3:30-4:30: Admire the Rock Formations and Incan Art4:30-6:00: Hike back to trailhead6:00-6:30: Drive Back to San Pedro de Atacama6:30-7:30: Eat at Las Piertas Restaurant 7:30- Relax at Hotel Altiplanico
Chile
Chile is a country situated along the western coast of South America; but more than that Chile is a place of astonishing beauty and wonderful culture. Chile is an extremely diverse country; in terms of people, wildlife, geography, and culture. Chile is also one of South America's most thriving and stable countries, making it very safe and easy to travel to this wonderful place. Chile is a amazing location that is definitely worth visiting by anyone whose interests range from more tourist-oriented attractions to historical interests to exploring the native culture.
Geography
Chile is a small country shaped like a sliver situated right in the center of the South American west coast. Its climate is extremely varied, in the northwest lies the Atacama desert, which holds the title of the driest desert on the earth, receiving absolutely no rainfall. This desert is a very fascinating area; its climate encouraging the growth of very exotic plants and the occasionally animal.
In addition, the Atacama desert, due to the lack of moisture in the air, provides the clearest view of the night sky in the world. On the eastern border of Chile lies the Andes Mountains, the longest continental range of mountains in the world. In central Chile, the climate is more Mediterranean. This central area is the most populous region of Chile, in which around 50% of the country's population lives. In the southern regions, the scenery becomes more rainy and temperate, providing some of the most stunning scenery on earth. The southern geography includes large forests, lakes, magnificent volcanoes, fjords, and islands. Some of these islands contain some of the world's more exotic animals, such as the penguin, an animal that is difficult to find anywhere else on earth besides the continent of Antarctica.History
Chile's rich culture finds its roots due in part to its rich and fascinating history. Originally, Chile was occupied by two major cultures, the Incas, which dominated in the north, and the Mapuche, which controlled a majority of Chile, their territory ranging from central to southern Chile. In 1535, Diego de Almagro came to Chile in the search of gold along with a band of Spanish Conquistadors. This group of conquistadors found their search for riches to be far less rewarding than expected; however, they realized the value of the central section of the country for agricultural purposes and claimed the land as a Spanish colony. However, this assertion of power did not come without conflict. The local Mapuche consistently lead uprisings against the Spanish, and managed to kill Almagro's most valuable leader, Pedro de Valvidia. However, gradually the Mapuche revolts slowed after repeated failures against the superior Spanish weaponry. However, it was not until 1683 when the Spanish banned the enslavement of the Mapuche that the two groups did not consider themselves to technically not be at war. In 1808, Napoleon's brother Joseph illegally seized the Spanish throne, an action that encouraged a revolution within Chile. On September 18, 1810, a militia formed under the name of Ferdinand (heir to the Mapuche thrown) and declared Chile an autonomous republic. Spain met this claim by means of force, the Spanish forces lead by Bernardo O'Higgins. However, under the ingenious leadership of Jose Miguel Carrera and his two brothers, Chile emerged victorious. Today, many cultures that were influential in Chile's history can be seen in the current culture of Chile. Many ancient Incan and Mapuche artifacts, buildings, and customs still remain. This native Chilean culture in combination with the Spanish culture form a very interesting and diverse culture which can be appreciated on many levels.
Population
Now, Chile has beome a prosperous and well-developed country; it maintains a strong governmental system relatively free of corruption, a high income per capita, and a rich culture. Back in 1500, the population in Chile was around 1.1 million. Now, it has expanded drastically and is still expanding to this day. From a 2002 Census, the population of Chile was estimated to be 15.2 million. Now, from a 2008 report, the population is estimated to be 17 million.
Economy
This population is also a stable one not stricken by poverty; the average income per capita is $14,329, one of the highest of all South American countries. Another important thing to know about Chile is its currency.
The basic currency in Chile is the peso. Currently, the peso is worth approximately 1/5 of a cent, with 469 pesos to the dollar. The economy of Chile is a prosperous one, with a high gross domestic product of the equivalent of $276 billion US dollars.
Chile's economy is based heavily upon its copper industry. Chile itself produces over 1/3 of the entire world's copper supply. This copper industry accounts for 49% of all Chilean exports. Exports that trail far behind it include Cellulose, paper, and fish.
Government
Chile is a country with one of the most stable, uncorrupted governments in South America. The governmental system is quite similar to that of the United States, being in the form of a republic with an elected leader. The country's laws are dictated by a Constitution set in place in 1980, and most recently updated majorly in 2005. This constitution has been recognized by many internationally as being a very fair and humanitarian Constitution. Also similar to the United States, there is a legislative governmental body in addition to the executive governmental body. The main legislative body is The Congress of Chile, which consists of a 38-seat Senate and a 120-member Chamber of Deputies. However, a main difference between the governmental structure of Chile and the United States is that in Chile the judicial system is independent, and the judges in the Supreme Court of Chile are not selected by the president, but rather the people. Currently, the Chilean President is Sebastian Pinera.
Language
The main body of this population is Spanish speaking, with Spanish being the official language of the country. However, some languages from the original inhabitants of Chile still remain. The language of Mapudungun, an indigenous language spoken between the Itata and Tolten Rivers. Another language that is spoken in Chile is Aymara, spoken mainly by the inhabitants of the Andes Mountains.
Religion
Although the population is culturally diverse, the country is relatively homogeneous in terms of religion. 98% of the country is Christian, with 90% of this Christianity being Roman Catholic, the other 10% being Protestants. The Roman Catholic church is also very influential on the politics of the country. For example, due to the influence of the Church, their is a federal law that forbids abortion within the country.
Ethnicity
The population also represents a diverse array of races. The population consists mainly of White-American Indians, who represent 85% of the population. Another 10% of the population is White. 3% of the population is pure American Indian.
Sopa De Lentejas Recipe
Directions:
Prep Time: 20 minsTotal Time: 55 mins
Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/sopa-de-lentejas-de-la-tia-julita-139205#ixzz1FPZZlpcL
Tourist Activities and Itinerary
There is much beauty all throughout the region of Chile that is the perfect destination for tourists seeking either dramatic landscapes, wonderful historical locations, and gorgeous towns. In the North, one might be interested in traveling to San Pedro de Atacama, a beautiful town overlooking the Atacama desert full of ancient Incan Architecture and containing a world-renowned anthropological museum. In addition, near San Pedro de Atacama are the exquisite Altiplano Lakes and the Valley of the Moon. Also in the north are some other beautiful destinations such as Chungara Lake and the Parinacota and Pomerape Volcanoes. If one happens to be on the eastern border of Chile, there are many world-renowned ski resorts in the Andes, such as Portillo and Valle Nevado. In the South are many other popular destinations, such as Isla Mocha, Nahuelbuta National Park, Chiloe Archipelago, and the Laguna San Rafael National Park, one of the only places in South America that one can find glaciers. The port-city of Valparaiso, with its distinctive architecture, is also a main destination. Finally, Easter Island
off of the coast of Chile is a great destination to travel to on your trip to Chile.
Sample Itinerary
A Day In Northern Chile
About this itinerary: This is a sample itinerary to give a flavor of what one might do as a tourist in a day in Chile. This itinerary does not need to be followed, and the price of actually following this itinerary is unknown. To get to this point in this sample itinerary, one would have flown to Calama and driven across the Dameyko Mountain Range until they reached San Pedro de Atacama in the Atacama desert. This is a desolate area of stark landscapes dominated by the vast Atacama salt lake and the distant line of volcanoes that mark the Bolivian border. Then one would have stayed at the Hotel Altiplanico, a beautiful adobe style hotel in the town.
8:00 - Wake Up at Hotel Altiplanico. 8:30- 9:30 Have local breakfast downstairs in hotel9:30-9:45 Head to Local Salt Flats9:45-10:45: Hike through Salt Flats along Alabarco trail (be sure to stay hydrated)10:45-11:15: Eat at stone benches at end of trail
11:15-12:15: Head Back to Road12:15-12:30: Go back to San Pedro De Atacama12:30-1:30: Eat at Bolivar Restaurant1:30-2:00: Drive South down to Valley of the Moon trailhead2:00-3:30: Hike into Valley of the Moon3:30-4:30: Admire the Rock Formations and Incan Art4:30-6:00: Hike back to trailhead6:00-6:30: Drive Back to San Pedro de Atacama6:30-7:30: Eat at Las Piertas Restaurant 7:30- Relax at Hotel Altiplanico
Refernces
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/chile.html
http://www.liquidmatrix.org/blog/2008/05/13/hacker-publishes-personal-data-of-6-million/
http://www.animalpicturegallery.net/animal_picture_llamas_Chili_Andes.htm
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0601/jobs_teaching_english_in_chile_needed.shtml
http://www.sd281.k12.id.us/mcdonald/staff/Carhart/_overlay/Karl%27s%20Website/Physical3regions.htm
http://www.ri.net/middletown/gaudet/studentwork/8th%20grade_webpages/Spanish%20Countries/d_block/chile_lukec/chile.htm
http://www.food.com/recipe/sopa-de-lentejas-de-la-tia-julita-139205#ixzz1FPZZlpcL
http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/country/chile.html
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/patagonia-photos